Executive Functioning

Mark learned the skills and strategies of Executive functioning from Landmark College (a college specifically for students with EF and learning disabilities). A fully supportive executive functioning program ensures students will not only keep up with and manage both their personal and academic task, but also learn how to do it for themselves.

1st - This program first starts with an questionnaire to informally assess a students executive functioning strength and weakness.

2nd - Next we work together to implement proven strategies to improve your child's executive functioning skills.

3rd - We meet on a regular basis (frequency depends on needs of student and family) to ensure goals, tasks, and the plan are all being fulfilled. At this stage adjustments and further coaching is often needed and provided.

Mindful movement

Mindful movement practices are considered to be the best way to improve executive functioning. "What is our goal in this moment?"
Task initiation

Strategies to improve task initiation include building routines, creating an incentive system, and limiting distractions.
Mini-deadlines

For long-term projects, breaking them up into sections with mini-deadlines can help students stay on track.
Metacognition

Metacognition is considered to be the foundation for other executive functioning skills, such as organizing, planning, and prioritizing.
Planning

Planning involves developing a strategy before starting a task, such as writing down homework or making a checklist.
Prioritization

Prioritization is an executive functioning skill, along with time management and organization.
Self-control

Self-control is an aspect of executive function that helps people plan, monitor, and achieve their goals.
Routines

Establishing reliable routines can help children know what to expect during the day and week.

SUPPORT

This support system is designed to ensure that students stay on track with their tasks and effectively manage their time regardless of their needs or goals. From high performing student to those that need extra help, all students can benefit from our program.

Central to this approach are regular check-ins, where we monitor each student's progress, helping them stay organized and focused. During these check-ins, we review their task completion, assist with filling out their planners, and provide guidance to ensure they are meeting their goals.

To further enhance this support, we teach students to utilize a planner as well as a suite of digital tools, including Google Docs and task management apps. These tools allow students to manage their assignments, collaborate on projects, and keep track of their responsibilities. Each student is also hosted within their own Google Classroom, providing a centralized hub where all their resources, assignments, and communications are easily accessible. This integration of digital tools ensures that students have everything they need at their fingertips, making it simpler for them to stay organized and succeed.

Why Executive Functioning?

Success requires creativity, flexibility, self-control, and discipline, all of which are rooted in strong executive functions. These include the ability to mentally play with ideas, respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively, and maintain focus. However, to master these skills, students also need guidance in learning how to manage tasks effectively and set achievable goals.

Diverse activities such as computerized training, non-computerized games, aerobics, martial arts, yoga, mindfulness, and school curricula have been shown to enhance children’s executive functions. Central to all these activities is repeated practice and the continuous challenge of executive functions. Students with initially weaker executive functions benefit the most, making early training crucial to preventing future achievement gaps.

Supporting students as they perfect their executive functioning skills involves more than just focusing on these abilities in isolation. A holistic approach that also nurtures emotional, social, and physical development—through activities like aerobics, martial arts, yoga, and curricula designed to improve executive functions—can be more effective. By providing comprehensive support, we can help students build the essential skills they need for success.